All Temples
🔱

Mahakaleshwar Temple

Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh

Central India🔱 Shiva

One of the 12 Jyotirlingas and the only south-facing (Dakshinamurti) Jyotirlinga. The lingam is svayambhu (self-manifested). Famous for the Bhasma Aarti at 4 AM where the deity is anointed with sacred ash.

History

Ancient temple mentioned in Puranic texts. Ujjain (ancient Avantika) was one of the seven sacred cities of Hinduism. The temple was destroyed by invaders and rebuilt in its current form in the 18th century by the Marathas.

🏛️ Architecture

Five-level temple structure with the lingam on the lowest level. Maratha-era architecture with the sanctum below ground level. The compound includes temples to Ganesh, Parvati, and Kartikeya.

Special Features

Jyotirlinga #3

Only south-facing Jyotirlinga

Bhasma Aarti at 4 AM

Svayambhu lingam

Below ground-level sanctum

Festivals & Events

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Bhasma Aarti (daily at 4 AM)

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Maha Shivaratri

🎪

Simhastha Kumbh Mela (every 12 years)

Visiting Information

Open from 4 AM for Bhasma Aarti. Pre-registration required for Bhasma Aarti. Located in central Ujjain. Simhastha Kumbh Mela is a major event.

Associated Deities

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